The Thorns announced today that midfielder Tobin Heath will join the Thorns development academy as assistant youth technical director this fall.
The newly-formed academy is one of 25 founding clubs in US Soccer’s Girls’ Development Academy. The young Thorns will compete in three age groups, and games will be scouted by US Soccer, with the program serving as a pipeline to the youth national teams.
Heath has spoken in the past about her desire to influence the culture of soccer development in the US, and notes in the Thorns’ press release that “the formation of the DA and the Thorns’ involvement has given me a unique opportunity to use my experiences to inspire the next generation of footballers.